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Fighting Illini Recruiting

The Fighting Illini had one of the best recruiting periods it’s had in a long time, and has the potential to get more great players. Kendrick Nunn, the left-handed shooter out of Simeon Career Academy, officially signed to play for Illinois. He is currently one of the best high school players in the country.

He finished his career with a bang: Simeon won its fourth straight state championship against Stevenson. Illini Head Coach John Groce is getting the athletic Malcolm Hill from Belleville East High School. Also, Michael Finke committed to Illinois; he is a 6’9’’ junior from Centennial High School in Champaign. This will be a great recruiting class. Also, many players will be returning, such as Rayvonte Rice. He attended Centennial High School, as well.

Also, superstar center Jahlil Okafor said he would welcome an in-home visit from the Illini coach. If Groce can snatch him up, that would put Illinois in serious contention for a national championship. Okafor is the top player in the class of 2014 and has college coaches drooling for him all over the country because he is a very big and dominate player.

The Illini won’t be playing in the Assembly Hall, but in the newly named State Farm Center. The upcoming season will be Groce’s second with the Illini, and the university has already given him a $200,000 raise. He deserved it – he did a great job last season, taking the Fighting Illini to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Sophomore Rodney Dukes said, “I like all the players and I think they will have a great season, and I think Kendrick Nunn is the best out of all of them, he will help Illinois a lot.”